NESREA Defends Plastic Waste Regulations, Says Policy Will Drive Recycling, Innovation and Green Jobs
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has clarified that the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026 are designed to tackle plastic pollution, strengthen recycling systems, and promote a circular economy—not to shut down industries or discourage investment.
In a statement issued by the Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Agency responded to concerns raised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), emphasizing that the regulations do not impose a blanket ban on all single-use plastics. According to NESREA, the 80-micron restriction applies only to specific plastic carrier bags and not to all plastic packaging materials.
The Agency explained that the regulations provide phased implementation timelines, allowing manufacturers adequate time to adapt. For instance, the requirement for recycled PET content in plastic products will begin at 25 percent in 2028 and rise to 50 percent by 2030.
NESREA noted that the regulations are intended to create new opportunities in recycling, waste recovery, packaging innovation, and green job creation while reducing environmental pollution, flooding, and public health risks associated with plastic waste.
The Agency also stressed that the policy supports local industry by encouraging the use of locally sourced recycled materials and strengthening Nigeria’s recycling infrastructure, rather than increasing dependence on imports.
Defending the legal framework, NESREA said the regulations align with national plastic waste management policies and international best practices, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), producer accountability, eco-design, and improved waste recovery systems.
Rejecting calls for suspension of the regulations, the Agency maintained that implementation should proceed through continued stakeholder engagement and collaboration with manufacturers, recyclers, state governments, and other industry players.
“Nigeria cannot continue with a plastics system where products are placed on the market without adequate responsibility for their recovery and environmentally sound management,” Prof. Barikor stated.
NESREA reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and consultative implementation of the regulations, describing them as a critical step toward environmental sustainability, industrial innovation, and the growth of Nigeria’s circular economy.
